June 1-3
-Spring Festival: Celebrate birds and botany with field trips, art projects, music, speakers and more at North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. $5. 996-2334.

Saturday June 2
-Basketry: Two-day willow basket class with Lynx Vilden at Skalitude Retreat Center, Carlton. $150. (509) 741-0162.
-Farmers Market:  Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon
-National Trails Day:  Guided trail hikes of various lengths with dinner and guest presentation at Sun Mountain Lodge.
-Americana: Spoonshine performs at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. $2. 996-3183. 7pm
-Theater: I Hate Hamlet at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-PLAY. 7pm

Sunday June 3
-Theater: I Hate Hamlet at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-PLAY. 2pm
-Winthrop Crafts Market noon-2pm in Winthrop Park
-Terry Hunt Classical Guitar in the Beer Garden - Every Sunday 6:30 pm Twisp Brew Pub

Wednesday June 6
-Digital Photography: Two-day class with Sol Gutierrez at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $50. Info 997-2787. 6-8pm

June 8-9
-Conscious Culture: Music festival at the Okanogan Family Faire site in Tonasket. 1-800-838-3006.

Saturday June 9
-Farmers Market: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon
-Outward Bound: Community event: climb, hike and dine at Outward Bound basecamp, Mazama. Free. RSVP 341-4343. 9am-9pm
-Winthrop Gallery Artist Reception Artists: Katie Swanson, Linda Wick, Susannah Young' Saturday, June 6 to 8pm 
-Studio Tour: Visit artists in their studios around the Methow Valley. Free. 997-2787. 10am-5pm

Sunday June 10
-Winthrop Crafts Market noon-2pm in Winthrop Park
-Studio Tour: Visit artists in their studios around the Methow Valley. Free. 997-2787. 10am-5pm
-Botany: Learn to identify willow species in the Methow Valley with instructor Dana Visalli. $25. 997-9011.
-Terry Hunt Classical Guitar in the Beer Garden - Every Sunday 6:30 pm Twisp Brew Pub

Friday June 15
-Valley Teen Center: School’s Out! Summer splash party at TwispWorks. Also, food. Free. 997-9211. All day

Saturday June 16
-Farmers Market: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon
-Painting: Watercolor workshops with John Adams at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $75-$125. 997-2787. 10am-4pm
-Artists’ Reception: Opening night of “Eats the Sun” with Gregg Caudell, Simon Kogan and Paula Christen at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

Sunday June 17
-Winthrop Crafts Market noon-2pm in Winthrop Park
-Terry Hunt Classical Guitar in the Beer Garden - Every Sunday 6:30 pm Twisp Brew Pub

June 19-21
-Treasure Hunt: Make a treasure chest, create a map and hunt for treasure and adventure with Sarah Fox-Skutley (ages 5-7). $125. 996-4447.

June 22-24
-Fairy Congress: Fairy & Human Relations Congress at Skalitude Retreat Center, Carlton.

Saturday June 23
-Farmers Market: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon
-Rattlesnake Aversion Training.  Dog Trainers and Snake Handlers teach your dog how NOT to get bitten. $75/dog  9-3pm at Methow Valley Veterinary Hospital.

Sunday June 24
-Winthrop Crafts Market noon-2pm in Winthrop Park
-Photo Safari: Go on adventures and practice photo techniques with Sol Gutierrez. $50. 997-2787. 4-7pm
-Terry Hunt Classical Guitar in the Beer Garden - Every Sunday 6:30 pm Twisp Brew Pub

June 25-28
-Primitive Skills Camp: Taught by Katie Russell and Friends in Twisp. $125. (509) 449-1290. 9am-1pm

June 30
-Farmers Market: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon

Tuesday April 3
First Tuesday: “Iditarod and Saving Wild Lands” with Scott White at Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2870. 7-8:30pm

Wednesday April 4
Stress Reduction: Mindfulness-based stress reduction with Sharon Cohen at Winthrop Fitness. Free. 996-8234. 1-2pm

Saturday April 7
Easter Egg Hunt: Bring your basket to Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop. Also, the Easter Bunny and free BBQ. Need Discover Pass (available at park) or volunteer for free day pass. 997-8229. 11am
Flamenco: Eric and Encarnacion perform at Twisp River Pub. $5. 997-6822. 8:30pm

Tuesday April 10
First Ascent: Mountain climber David Gottlieb presents a slide show of his first ascent climb (with Chad Kellogg) of Pangbuk Ri on the Nepal/Tibet border. Twisp River Pub. Free. 997-6822.
Open Merc: Open mic hosted by Egon Steinebach at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. Free. 7pm

Thursday April 12
Trashion Fashion: Get ready for Spring Trashion Show in a drop-in open studio hosted by Lisa Doran and Donna Keyser at Sweatshop Studio and Studio D at TwispWorks. $10. 997-2787. 1-8pm

Friday April 13
Folk Rock: Tim Snider and Redwood Son perform at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm
Flamenco: Eric and Encarnation perform at the Twisp River Pub. $5. 997-6822. 8:30pm

Saturday April 14
Farmers Market: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon
Folk & Soul: Josh Clauson performs at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

Sunday April 15
Democratic Caucus: Carlton, Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama precincts meet at the MV Community Center, Twisp. (509) 422-3723. 1pm

Saturday April 21
Farmers Market: Produce and crafts in the MV Community Center parking lot, Twisp. 996-2747. 9am-noon
Artists’ Reception: “Beyond the Surface” featuring artwork by Karel Renard, Robin Doggett and Laura Gunnip opening night at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 997-2787. 4-8pm
Obo Addy: African dance and drumming in the Winthrop Barn. $5-$25. 997-4004. 7pm

Sunday April 22
Mindfulness: Sitting and walking meditations at MV Wellness Center, Winthrop. Free. 997-2152. 11am-5pm

Wednesday April 25
Afro/Rap: Afroman performs at Twisp River Pub. Opening set by Sunz of Sound. $15. 997-6822. 8pm

Friday March 2
Live Music: The Brody Blackburn Band performs alternative/acoustic music at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

March 2-4
Balloon Roundup: Hot-air balloons and crews gather at the Winthrop Inn launch site. 997-1700.

Saturday March 3
MVSTA Winter Triathalon: Bike – 17.2Km, Ski – 10.7Km, Run – 7.5Km
Online registration is now open for Team Competitors

Online registration is now open for Iron Competitors

Piano Master Class: Dainius and Asta Vaicekonis teach piano master class (for intermediate and advanced students) in the MV Community Center, Twisp. $10-$20. 997-9805. 1pm
Wild Game Feed: Washington Outfitters & Guides Association hosts wild game dinner at the Winthrop Barn. Eat moose, buffalo, deer, elk, bear and more. Yum. $10-$25. 996-2659. 6:30pm
Keyboard Confections: Excellent pianists and delicious desserts in the MV Community Center, Twisp. $15. 997-9805. 7pm
Live Music: The Brooke Pennock Duo performs alternative/acoustic music at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

Sunday March 4
Photography Class: “Shoot With What You Got” taught by EA Weymuller at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $75. 997-2787. 1-4pm

Tuesday March 6
"New Land--North of the Columbia," with speaker Lorraine McConaghy, author and historian with Seattle's Museum of History and Industry, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Twisp River Pub

Wednesday March 7
Afro/Rap: Afroman performs at Twisp River Pub. Opening set by Sunz of Sound. $15. 997-6822. 8pm

Saturday March 10
Int’l Women’s Day: Workshops and classes at Confluence Gallery, MV Inn, The Studio and TwispWorks. 997-2787. 9:30am-1:30pm
Bite of the Methow: Live and silent auction, delicious “bites” from local cooks in the Winthrop Barn. $10 benefit for Kiwanis projects. 5pm

Tuesday March 13
Aging: “Ready or Not” dinner ($6, 5pm) and presentations (free, 6-8pm) by Sheila Brandenburg, Raleigh Bowden and Mathew Nicks at Twisp River Pub. 996-9892.

Thursday March 15
History of Fish & Fishing: Dennis Dauble presents the history of fish and fishing in North Central Washington and Columbia Basin. Twisp Valley Grange. (509) 888-7268. 6pm

March 16-18
Body/Mind Cleanse: Spring tune-up with nourishing food, cleansing herbs and yogic presense at Skalitude Retreat, Carlton. $195 (by March 4) or $220. 997-1032.

Saturday March 17
Folk Cabaret: Maria in the Shower performs at Twisp River Pub. $5. 997-6822. 8:30pm

March 21-1 April
Merc Playhouse: Children’s Theater Production- A Midsummer Nights Dream

Saturday Feb. 4
Moonlight Ski: MV Nordic Club annual Moonlight Ski & Potluck at Mazama Community Center. Free. 996-8080. 5:30pm

Thursday Feb. 9
Rattlesnakes: Presentation by John Rohrer and soup dinner at North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. $5. 996-2334. 5:30pm

Saturday Feb. 11
Snowmobile Chili Feed: Tri-River Snowmobile Club hosts lunch with chili, hot dogs, sausages, cookies and hot drinks at Yukon Jack Shelter off Black Canyon Road. (509) 689-2843. 11am-1pm
Twisp Brew Pub: “The Henhouse Prowlers”Classic Bluegrass from Chicago returns to Twisp! 8:30 pm – 11:30 $5 cover charge. http://www.henhouseprowlers.com/

Thursday Feb. 16
Wine & Geology: Wine tasting and the geology of eastern Washington presentation by John Morgan and soup dinner at North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. $5. 996-2334. 5:30pm

Friday Feb. 17
Gypsy Jazz: The Lost Fingers perform in the Winthrop Barn. $12-$25. 997-4004. 7pm

Friday 17 – 26 Have fun in the snow!  Join the MVSTA for an event for any age and any ability. Methow Valley Winter Festival

Saturday Feb. 18
Pet Portraits: Two-day workshop with Jean Bradbury learning to paint your pet using oils. Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $195- 997-2787.
Coffee Cupping: “Single Origin Coffees” explores different growing regions of the world at Blue Star Coffee Roasters, Twisp. Free. 997-2583. 11am
Twisp Brew Pub: “BLACK CHERRY CRUSH” 5 piece rock, funk and soul from Seattle featuring the amazing voice of Fysah Thomas 9 pm -11:30 $5 cover www.blackcherrycrush.com

Sunday Feb. 19
Watercolor: “Painting Colorful Winter Scenes” with John Adams at North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. 996-2334. 1-4pm
Ice Dancing: Lessons at the Winthrop Ice Rink. $10. (509) 322-3900. 4-4:30pm

Thursday Feb. 23
Arctic National Parks: Presentation on landscape change and resource development in the Arctic Nat’l Parks with Peter Neitlich, and soup dinner at North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. $5. 996-2334. 1-4pm

Take a look at Asset Depletion Loans. For more information please contact:

Drake Dornfeld at 425-445-0867 or email: draked@guildmortgagte.net.

The Pledged Asset Loan Program offers financing up to 90% of a home by pledging security assets or savings in lieu of a down-payment, second mortgage or home equity loan.  This program is ideal for clients who wish to defer capital gains or losses while maintaining their investment strategy and continually benefiting from interest, dividends and investment appreciation. 

One more good reason to consider this program… any family member may pledge assets on behalf of a borrower.

Take a look at this video.  If you’d like more information about the loan program call Drake Dornfeld at 425-445-0867 or email: draked@guildmortgage.net.

Grouse - Natural History Lecture Twisp River Pub 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm  Info: 509-996-2870.

4/5 Nov

Shed Boys Old Schoolhouse Brewery 7:00 pm  Bluegrass, folk. Info: 996-3183.

La Belle Spectacle Methow Valley Community Center 7:00 pm  Methow Valley Theatre presents a show for mature audiences. Info: (509)429-2188.

11 Nov

Forever Growing Old Schoolhouse Brewery 7:00 pm  Jazz and Fusion. Info: 996-3183.

12 Nov

MV Ski Ball Winthrop Barn & Auditorium 5:30 pm  Annual fundraiser for kids xc ski teams. Tickets available at Winthrop Physical Therapy or at the door.

21 Nov

MV Inn Supper Club Methow Valley Inn 12:00 am  Jon Brown prepares Argentine. $40. Reservations(required)/Info: 997-2253.

25/26 Nov

Winthrop's Christmas at the End  SAVE THE DATE! Fun runs, Santa Parade, kids winter fest, town lighting, fireworks, and Cowboy Christmas show.

Do you let impulse rule your decisions or are you a more methodical consumer? Your past spending habits have a lot to say about what type of home buyer you'll make. Take this quick quiz to see your strengths and possible buying pitfalls.

1. I save money:

   (a) on a regular schedule; (b) when I have money leftover;

   (c) pretty much never. I have very little savings.

2. When I shop:  

   (a) I use a list; (b) I do pretty good about remembering what I need;

   (c) I tend to buy things that catch my eye.

3. How important is it for you to appear well-dressed and successful?

   (a) I know it's important for things to look good, but I don't like to overspend

   (b) looking good is worth spending a little extra money

   (c) I live to look like a million bucks!

4. I tend to return purchases to the store:

  (a) not often; (b) once a month;

  (c) all the time. If you have a receipt you can return it!

5. I have a car that I: (a) own; (b) make payments on; (c) lease.

6. Before I make a big purchase: (a) I research the latest prices and trends;

    (b) I think about what exactly I want to buy;

    (c) I've generally just gotten a raise or bonus.

7. Large purchases make me feel: (a) like a grown-up; (b) a little uneasy;

   (c) successful and in control.

If you answered mostly a's then you are a careful, methodical shopper. Your strengths in the home buying process are clear. You won't make an impulsive decision. Chances are you'll shop around a lot before you make your final choice. You have plenty of money saved. You are very money conscious. You and homeownership should have a beautiful relationship.

If you answered mostly b's then you tend to be pretty good with your money. You don't overspend, but you should focus on saving more. Homeownership comes with a lot of unexpected expenses. Build up an emergency fund and a down payment account.

If you answered mostly c's then you need to beware. You could very easily be an impulsive shopper. Looking good is really important to you, so be careful not to overspend on a home. You also may have a hard time with commitment. You may lease your car or return items to stores. Be sure you spend time running real numbers and putting together a solid plan for buying before you start the process.

Everybody wants to be an investor, but no one wants to be a landlord. What’s up with that? Tenants pay rent and possibly the mortgage so, why should you look at them as some kind of outcasts?  The mere sound of their voice brings a chill to your spine. “I don’t want to hear them complain when the toilet backs up!” “Being a landlord is a hassle!”

Silly? Yes.

Ponder this: A fitness nut who has dreamt of being an entrepreneur finally takes the plunge and starts a personal training business on a part-time basis. But there’s a problem. In her words, “I hate people who are out of shape. They make me sick!”

Or a gardener who opens a landscaping company and sees her customer sitting on a chair in the back yard taking a nap and thinks, “How lazy can you be!”

Or a blogger who gets a ton of comments and thinks, “I don’t have time to respond to all these people. What a hassle!”

It’s ridiculous, right? These are the customers. You are supposed to hug your customers. This is what we have all been taught. So often we forget about good ole customer service.

So why are tenants not given the same reverence? If you own a simple investment property, your tenant isn’t just your customer—he might be your only customer. When you receive a call because the dryer broke, or the roof leaked, or even the dreaded toilet backed up, shouldn’t any entrepreneur worth their salt jump at the chance to make it right?

Success in real estate investing, and in life in general, is all about perspective. If your approach to real estate is to make quick money with no risk and no landlord hassles, you have it all wrong. The correct perspective is to see this as a small business.

A small business, by definition, is not a short-term endeavor. By definition, it requires some of your time and effort if you expect to make money. By definition, if you get a customer, consider yourself lucky and treat them accordingly.

This is important because there are millions of people out there who believe in real estate as the best long-term investment, but too many people won’t ever do anything about it. Own America did an informal survey to find out why. The top three answers were as follows:

1). I don’t know how. 2). I don’t have any money. 3). I don’t want to be a landlord.

I think it’s time for a little perspective. Making a single investment that can, by itself, secure a college education or comfortable retirement is worth a little hassle. Don’t you think?

Learn how to Buy, Improve and Hold your real estate investments by visiting and registering on www.ownamerica.com.

Check these great investment opportunities:

http://www.methowvalleyproperties-temp.com/property/1111-Hwy-20-23-Winthrop-Washington

http://www.methowvalleyproperties-temp.com/property/41-Bitterbrush-Rd-Winthrop-Washington

http://www.methowvalleyproperties-temp.com/property/182-Chewuch-Rd-W-Winthrop-Washington

MONEY Magazine) -- Most of the news lately about real estate has been dismal: Home prices are swooning, foreclosures ballooning.

There is, however, one bright spot: the rental market, where demand is up and rents are rising. That's partly because those foreclosures have turned more than 4 million former homeowners into renters, but also because many other prospective homeowners, worried about losing their jobs or housing prices falling a lot further still, are reluctant to buy now.

As with many investments, the best time to get in is when most others are sitting on the sidelines. To figure out whether you can benefit by investing in rental property, here's what you need to know.

THE CASE FOR BUYING NOW

Many factors make this a great time to invest. Mortgage rates are at a 40-year low, and homes in many areas are ultra-cheap. Meanwhile, demand for rentals has risen in more than 500 cities, according to recent Census data. That, in turn, has enabled landlords to charge more. Hotpads.com, a real estate research firm, reports that rents nationwide jumped 11.6% in 2010, to $1,320 a month.

You'll need that rental income to tide you over until home prices bounce back; in fact, the typical investor today plans to hold for 10 years, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors.

If you can hang on that long, you've got a good shot at solid gains, especially if you're financing the home purchase. "Whereas leverage is dangerous when buying stocks, it can be a good long-term strategy with real estate," notes real estate investor and Columbia University adjunct finance professor Marshall Sonenshine.

The big catch: "Can you afford to hold the property that long and not need the equity for your kid's college fund?" says Sonenshine. Or whatever other pressing need might crop up.

You'll also face some tough financing rules. Most banks now require a down payment of at least 20% to 25% and evidence you have enough cash to cover six months' worth of mortgage, tax, and insurance payments.

HOW TO FIND A GOOD DEAL

Investment real estate is like produce: It's best bought locally. "Buy something you can get to in 10 minutes," says Seattle real estate investor Bill Snyder.

Familiarity with the neighborhood also limits nasty surprises like a noisy bar or a nearby development competing for renters.

Work with a local realtor who has experience with rentals and can help you assess how attractive a given home will be to tenants.

10 Best cities to buy a rental property

And while prices on multifamily dwellings haven't dropped as much as they have on single-family homes, don't ignore plexes: Intake from a few rents instead of just one will boost your cash flow; a single vacancy won't hurt as much; and you could benefit from economies of scale for things like appliances and painting. But stick to buildings with four units or fewer to avoid stricter financing requirements, such as a bigger down payment and higher mortgage rates.

Once you've identified candidates, crunch the numbers. The goal: to make sure your rental income will at least cover your loan payments, plus a 20% cushion to handle repairs, vacancies, and property management.

To figure out what you'll garner in rent, ask sellers for recent leases, says Snyder, and double-check their numbers by perusing sites like Rentometer and Craigslist for similar rentals in the neighborhood.

Assume your mortgage rate will be at least a half-point higher than rates on owner-occupied properties. Factor in insurance and property taxes, and bank on a 5% vacancy rate. Otherwise, "one empty month can kill you," says Ellie Berlin, a broker with Houlihan Lawrence in Larchmont, N.Y.

KNOW WHAT YOU'RE IN FOR

Brush up on your people skills: Owning rentals also means responding to tenant complaints, like the 2 a.m. phone call about a broken toilet. Want to palm off the grunt work? You can hire a handyman (around $45 an hour) or a management company (8% to 10% of monthly income plus a half-month's rent for filling vacancies), but the luxury will eat into cash flow.

To find your own tenants, creative ads on Craigslist are your best bet. Run credit and reference checks (National Tenant Network, at ntnonline.com, can help). And invest in small touches to make your place stand out, such as cool lighting fixtures or antique door hardware. Those will pay off when it's time to sell too.